Champions Chelsea close in on Brazilian teenager

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Premier League champions Chelsea are reportedly close to completing a £25million deal for Neymar, with his agent insisting the Brazil striker does not want to stay in South America.

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Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro has hit out at Chelsea's conduct in their pursuit of his club's star forward and has reportedly rejected the West London's opening bid of £20m for the 18-year-old.

However, the youngster has set his sights on a move to Europe after being courted by the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Barcelona.

Chelsea seem confident that Neymar, who recently marked his Brazil debut with a goal in a 2-0 win over the USA, will sign for the Stamford Bridge club and join compatriot Ramires, who signed from Benfica last week.

Pay rise

Neymar's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, said in The Daily Star Sunday: "It is useless for Santos to offer Neymar a pay rise.

"He wants to become the best player in the world.

"The chances of him doing that while playing in Brazil are zero."

Ribero claims that Chelsea officials have already met the player and his father to discuss personal terms.

Meanwhile, the player recently denied that he has already agreed to join Carlo Ancelotti's side before the end of the transfer window, telling journalists in Brazil: "I want to stay at Santos and win more titles."